EASTERN BRACKISH MARSH (North Bergen)

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This 75-acre* site was purchased by the NJMC in 1999 from Hartz Mountain Industries for preservation and management.  This site was undeveloped and had experienced no direct industrial activities.  Hartz Mountain Industries had restored the site in the 1980’s. Prior to enhancement, the area supported a dense monoculture of common reed (Phragmites australis), with very little open water and reduced tidal flow.  Therefore, the site supported limited habitat diversity and opportunities for recreation. 

Wetland enhancement at this site included the control of common reed, grading of the marsh surface, the re-establishment of tidal flow, and the creation of open water areas, with planting of native vegetation along the margins of openings. This resulted in mostly mud flat habitat that is flushed daily by the tides; lowland scrub-shrub passerine habitats along the marsh/upland ecotone; creation of dabbling duck, shorebird, and wading bird breeding, wintering and migratory habitats; greater fishery access; and some degree of mosquito control.